Ulster Dominates Benetton 47-13 Marking a Triumphant Comeback in URC
In a thrilling display of rugby, Ulster showcased their dominance over Benetton with a decisive 47-13 victory, marking a significant comeback in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The match took place amid a backdrop of injuries and tactical adjustments, yet Ulster emerged victorious.
Key Events and Player Performances
Ulster entered the match with renewed vigor, bolstered by the return of key Ireland internationals, including Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney. However, just before kickoff, captain Iain Henderson was ruled out, prompting a quick lineup change.
The first excitement came early when Baloucoune scored a try at the 10-minute mark. This was confirmed by a check from the television match official (TMO). Although Nathan Doak’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, Umaga kept Benetton in contention by converting an offside penalty.
First Half Highlights
- Baloucoune’s try gave Ulster an initial lead.
- Kok extended Ulster’s advantage with another try after a clever setup by Jude Postlethwaite.
- Benetton retaliated with a try from Bernasconi, confirmed by TMO, allowing Umaga to convert.
- Umaga added another penalty just before half-time, pushing Benetton ahead 13-12.
Second Half Dominance
The second half began slowly but quickly turned in Ulster’s favor. Hume’s try revitalized their attack, followed by Kok scoring again after an impressive team effort.
Benetton’s Onisi Ratave received a yellow card in the 63rd minute, leading to a penalty try for Ulster due to a deliberate knock-on to thwart Baloucoune’s pass.
Ulster’s strong performance continued with tries from Harry Sheridan and Baloucoune, both converted by Jake Flannery. This comprehensive display left Ulster with a commanding 47-13 lead as the final whistle blew.
Match Statistics
| Team | Tries | Conversions | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulster | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Benetton | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Overall, Ulster’s 47-13 victory over Benetton highlights their resurgence in the URC. With their key players making significant impacts, the team looks to build on this momentum in the upcoming fixtures.
